Automobile mirror position sensor and adjuster assembly

ABSTRACT

A sensing and adjustment assembly for a mirror on automobiles has a sensor comprising an electronic oscillator which is associated with a mirror position indicator member. Movement and position of the mirror is detected by the sensor. A driving arrangement responds to the sensor to move the mirror to a preset position which position is stored in a computer memory. The oscillator can have a winding of spiral shape and the indicator can comprise material capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy, such as steel, and can be of substantially tapered shape such as substantially conical. The member can be moved through a center passageway for the winding. The oscillator can be a Colpitts or other type. A differential amplifier, a converter from A.C. to D.C., and another amplifier can be part of the sensor. A pair of sensors and indicators can be used in conjunction with the drive means to move the mirror in two planes. The mirror positions can be stored in computer memory in correlation with the selected seat positions of a plurality of passengers, and the computer connected with the assembly and seat system, so that when the seat is moved to a preset position, the mirror is also moved to a preset position that permits the passenger to have proper viewing through the mirror.

BACKGROUND AND SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Electrically operated remote controlled rear view mirrors mounted oneither the left or right side of a vehicle are an accessory found onautomobiles. In the typical arrangement, a mirror is mounted on asupport member which is pivotally mounted on a base member or housing.The housing is in turn mounted on either the left or right side of theautomobile. The support member moves relative to the housing in thehorizontal and/or vertical directions. Extending between the housing andthe support member are a pair of linkages for pivoting the supportmember. A pair of reversible driving motors are mounted on the basemember and each motor actuates one of the linkages. The motors arecontrolled by a switch operated by the driver. Examples of this type ofremote controlled mirror are disclosed in U.S. Pat. Nos. 3,609,014 and4,611,401.

Even though electrically operated remote controlled rear view mirrorsare convenient, it is more desirable to be able to program a computer orcomputer module to remember a preset position of the mirror for eachdriver. The position sensor system for controlling the position of themirrors is typically used in conjunction with a system for controllingthe position of a driver's seat. Upon pressing a single button, a drivermay automatically reposition the driver's seat as well as both the leftand right outside rearview mirrors. Position information for the seatand both mirrors are programmed into the computer module.

In order to be able to program in memory the position of the mirrorthere must be a mechanism for sensing the position of the mirror alongthe horizontal and vertical axes. Presently, mirrors use linear motionpotentiometers for determining the position of the mirror. Thepotentiometers are linearly displaced by the motion of the mirror ineither the horizontal or vertical planes. A fixed voltage is impressedacross the potentiometer and a portion of the voltage is tapped off by asliding member of the linear motion potentiometer to be used as an inputsignal. This input signal is sent to a computer where it is processedand stored. The level of the input signal corresponds to the physicalposition of the mirror.

These potentiometers have been troublesome in that they are subject tomechanical wear, subject to mechanical failure of the slider contact dueto contaxination from salt, dirt, and dust, and are expensive toreplace. Potentiometers, because of their mechanical nature, may sufferfrom poor resolution and backlash. This can lead to improper mirrorpositioning.

To solve these and other problems, the inventor herein has succeeded inreplacing the linear motion potentiometers with electronic positionsensors which have no moving parts in contact with one another, are notsubject to mechanical wear, and are not subject to contamination due tosalt, dust, or dirt. The invention includes a means for indicating theposition of the mirror relative to its mount comprising a memberassociated with the mirror, combined with means to sense the member'sposition comprising an inductive winding, or an oscillator. Theinvention is illustrated by providing an assembly with electronicsensors each comprising an inductance coil into which is inserted atapered steel rod. The coil can be part of a Colpitts oscillator. Whenthe steel rod moves through the coil it absorbs energy at a varyingrate, causing the A.C. output voltage of the oscillator to change inrelation to the position of the tapered rod in the oscillator coil. Thisoutput voltage is amplified, converted to a D.C. voltage signal,amplified again, and then outputted to the computer. Drive meansresponsive to the indicating and sensing means moves the mirror to itsposition.

The following set forth objects of one or more of the claims for theinvention. It is an object to provide an assembly to adjust the positionof a mirror of an automobile to selected preset positions relative tothe mount for the mirror by a member which is associated with the mirrorand is electromagnetically associated with a sensor.

It is further an object to provide a means for sensing the position ofthe member relative to the mirror mount. Furthermore, it is an object toprovide a means for indicating and sensing the mirror positioncomprising an oscillator and an indicator member, with means forelectromagnetically controlling the electrical output of the oscillatorupon movement of the indicator member. It is further an object toprovide a means for sensing the position of the member which comprisesan inductive winding electrically associated with the member.

An objective as well is to provide a drive means responsive to theindicator and sensor means, which moves the mirror to the desiredposition.

An additional object is to provide an assembly with a position indicatorcomprising a member capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy.Moreover an object is to provide such a member which has a varying crosssection.

Further an objective is to provide such an adjustment assembly whereinthe means for indicating the position of the mirror is a rod comprisingmetal having a longitudinal taper, and wherein the sensing means is aninductive winding positioned so that the metal rod can be moved to besurrounded by the winding. It is an object to have the tapered part ofthe rod to be of a substantially conical shape.

Another object is to provide a means of generating a voltage or signaloutput in such a system which is a mathematical function of theposition, or of the travel, of the member and which thus acts as aposition sensor.

Still another objective is to provide an electromagnetic sensor using anoscillator and a differential amplifier means, and a means forconverting from alternating current to direct current.

It is moreover an object to provide such an automotive position sensorwhich does not employ linear potentiometers.

Yet another object is to provide an automotive position or travel sensorwhich minimizes problems caused by frictional wear, and which resistsfailure caused by contamination from salt, dirt, or dust.

Another object is to provide such an adjustment and positioning assemblywhich eliminates inaccuracy due to noise and interference which ispresent with potentiometers used for such positioning and adjustment.

It is further an object to provide proper resolution of an image in amirror which has its position adjusted on an automotive vehicle.

Yet another object is to provide a position or travel sensor comprisinga self-excited electronic L-C oscillator which features a flat spiralwound inductive coil as a component of the resonant tank circuit, intothe center axis of which is inserted a steel rod, the shape of whichdetermines the position output function.

An objective is to provide a position sensor which when used in pairscan position an automotive rear view mirror in each of two planes andprovide voltage outputs that are proportional to the mirror surfaceposition.

It is furthermore an object to provide a position sensor for anautomobile mirror which can be used with a computer memory seat systemto control the portion of the seats and of the mirror.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an isometric view of the main housing, the mount, and themirror for the assembly;

FIG. 2 is a section taken on the line 2--2 of FIG. 1, which breaks openthe main housing to view the interior thereof;

FIG. 3 is a section taken on the line 3--3 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a section taken on the line 4--4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a section taken on the line 5--5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a section taken on the line 6--6 of FIG. 4;

FIG. 7 is a section taken on the line 7--7 of FIG. 3;

FIG. 8 is a section taken on the line 8--8 of FIG. 3 showing parts ofthe assembly with some parts not shown for clarity, and with theindicator rods shown in different positions relative to the sensingwindings;

FIG. 9 is a plan view showing a substantially flat inductive windingtaken on the line 9--9 of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 is a section through one of the drive gears for an indicatorrod;

FIG. 11 is a front plan view of such a drive gear for an indicator rod;

FIG. 12 is a rear plan view of such a drive gear for an indicator rod;

FIG. 13 is an exploded side plan view of such a drive gear for anindicator rod;

FIG. 14 is a schematic block diagram of the computer with which theassembly can be used, and certain control elements for the computer andof the adjustment assembly; and

FIG. 15 is a schematic of the circuitry for the adjustment assembly.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

First, reference is made to FIGS. 1-13 which show the physical assembly20 and components thereof.

Generally, FIGS. 1-13 show a housing 22 with a standard support brace 24for attachment to an automobile door (not shown). The housing 22 has aback wall 27 and a surrounding side wall 30. A mirror 32 is mountedfacing outwardly from the rear of housing 22.

The assembly 20 further includes a means for indicating the position ofthe mirror 32 relative to the housing mount 24 and housing 22, as wellas a means for sensing the position indicated for the mirror 32. Theindicating means comprises rods 34 and 36 of varying cross section,shown as substantially tapered steel rods of conical shape. Rods 34 and36 are firmly secured to screw shafts 42 and 46, respectively. Shafts 42and 46 may be of plastic with cylindrical projections that are press fitwithin conforming bores of rods 34 and 36.

The sensing means comprises a circuit board 52, with a pair of windingsshown as flat spiral coils 54 and 55 mounted thereto. The board 52 ismounted in fixed position, as by a C-shaped mount block 56 held byscrews and nuts 57 to a motorpack housing 58. Motor housing 58 is inturn mounted in fixed relationship to housing 22 as by four screws 62threaded into four sleeves 64 that are integral with the back wall 27 ofmirror housing 22. The sensing means and indicating means furtherinclude circuitry shown in FIGS. 14 and 15. The indicating means andsensing means interact with other elements so that a means to adjust themirror 32 to preset positions is provided. The mirror 32 positioning canbe correlated to correspond to the position of a seat (not shown) withinthe automobile, by means including a computer module 66 for processingand storing the output from the sensing means shown in FIG. 14. Thepreset mirror 32 and seat positions stored in memory can be activated tomove both the mirror 32 and seat so that the seat occupant has themirror 32 positioned for proper selected position when the preset mirror32 and seat positions are reached.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The motorpack housing 58 has two halves 70 and 72, each having sideflanges 74 and 76 through which screws 62 pass to secure the halvestogether. Each half 70 and 72 has a pair of cavities which are alignedto receive motors 78 and 80, each motor having a pair of conductingwires 82 and 84 connected as known in the art. Motors 78 and 80 areconnected to drive worm gears 86 and 88, respectively. Worms 86 and 88drivingly mesh with rotary gerrs 90 and 92, which all fit within anotherpair of matching cavities of housing halves 70 and 72. Gears 90 and 92are preferably of molded plastic. As seen specifically in FIGS. 10-13for gear 90, each gear 90 and 92 has an outer teethed wall 94, spacedfrom an inner triad of axially extending, narrow, centering flutes 96and wider prongs 98. Prongs 98 each have inwardly projecting flanges102. Flanges 102 act together as threads to drivingly fit with thethreads of indicator shafts 42 and 46. A metal brace 104 reinforces gearwall 94. A sinusoidal annular shock absorbing ring 106 and resilientwasher 108 fit on either side of gear 90 against the housing halves 70and 72, respectively.

Housing half 70 has integral projecting covers 110 shaped to conform torods 34 and 36 to allow movement of those rods therein. Circuit board 52has a pair of holes 111 sized to receive covers 110. The circuitryelements shown in FIG. 15 are mounted to board 52 by known means. Priorto mounting, the circuitry on board 52 is coated with a substance, suchas polyurethane conformal coating, by dipping the circuit board assemblyinto such substance, to protect the circuitry from the environment, suchas salt, water, dust and the like. Board 52 is firmly held to C block 56by screws 112. On the opposite side, housing half 72 has openings 113 toreceive the threaded shafts 42 and 46. Each shaft 42 and 46 terminatesinto a ball 114 which fits into socket sleeves 116 that are integralwith the mount plate 118 to which mirror 32 is secured by known means. Across shaped gimbal 120 has a pair of aligned arms 122 and 124 whichsnap-fit into slots of knobs 126 projecting from plate 118 and intoslots of knobs 128 projecting from housing half 72. Stop plates 130projecting from plate 118 and housing half 72 abut the ends of arms 122and 124. This gimbal assembly allows for stable movement of mirror 32 intwo planes relative to housing 22.

There are four cylindrical stops 134 projecting integrally from the backof mount plate 118 (FIGS. 5 and 7). These stops 134 act to contactmotorpack housing half 72 to limit mirror angular travel in each of twolanes, as known in the art.

As seen in FIG. 3, motor housing 58 is mounted angularly to main housing22 so that rod 36 and its shaft 46 and the corresponding structure aboutthem are mounted above and to the right (viewed looking at FIG. 3) ofrod 34 and shaft 46 and their surrounding structure.

As the motors 78 and 80 drive worms 86 and 88 in either direction, thegears 92 and 94 are likewise driven in the corresponding direction. Asgears 92 and 94 rotate, the inner gear prongs 98 rotate, and theirthread flanges 102 screw along threaded shafts 42 and 46. Thus, forexample, as gear 90 is driven in a first direction, threaded shaft 42screws toward motor housing 58, while when gear 90 is driven in thesecond direction, shaft 42 screws away from housing 58. The same is truefor shaft 46 rotation. The flexible prongs 98 of the gears 90 and 92allow the gears 90 and 92 to free wheel and avoid lock up and motordamage when the stops 134 contact motor housing half 72 to limit mirror32 movement. The prongs 98 also permit manual adjustment of mirror 32 byhand pressing the mirror. The shafts 42 and 46 rotations, through theball and socket connections 114 and 116, thus selectively move themirror 32 in two planes. These planes, X and Y, commonly define mirror32 movement in the rp and down direction (Y plane) and the left ro rightdirection (X plane).

As each rod 34 and 36 move through their circuit board 52 holes, thethickness of the tapered rod 34 and 36 sections which lie in the sameplane as coils 54 and 55 vary. For example, in FIG. 8, the thickness oftapered rod 34 intersected by the plane of coil 54 is much smaller thanthe thickness of the tapered rod 36 intersected by the plane of coil 55,due to difference between the relative positions of rods 34 and 36 toboard 52. The change in such rod thickness in the planes of coils 54 and55 permits energy to be absorbed at varying rates as the tapered rods 34and 36 move through coils 54 and 55.

This variance in energy absorption causes the A.C. output voltage of thecoils 54 and 56 to change in relation to the position of the taperedrods 34 and 36 to their respective coils 54 and 55.

The rods 34 and 36 can also be of an exponential or asymptotic taper, orother taper.

Turning now to the schematic drawings, FIG. 14 shows a simplified blockdiagram of the mirror position sensor system 200 of the presentinvention is illustrated. The principal elements of the system 200include the computer module 66 for processing and storing the outputfrom a pair of position sensors 204. The computer module 66 is connectedto the pair of motors 78 and 80. The motors 78 and 80 are controlledeither by manual switches 206 or by a signal sent from the computermodule 66 in response to depression of a program button 208. The screwshafts are shown by elements 42 and 46, which are driven by the motors78 and 80, have the tapered rods 34 and 36 extending respectively fromone end thereof. Rods 34 and 36 are electro-magnetically coupled to eachof the position sensors 204. The position of the rods 34 and 36 withinthe coils 54 and 55 of the sensors 204 determines the level of thesignal which is sent to the computer module 66. The coils 54 and 55 areas mentioned, preferably of substantially flat spiral shape, but forillustrative purposes, are shown differently in the FIG. 14 schematic.The value of the signal corresponds to the position of the shafts 42 and46, and accordingly, to mirror 32. Program buttons 208 are connected tothe computer module 66 to initiate the memory function of the computermodule 66.

The foregoing has been a funttional description of a block diagram whichexplains the operation of the mirror position sensor system 200 and thesensors 204 of the present invention. A detailed circuit diagram 220 ofthe sensors 204 is illustrated in FIG. 15, and its principal componentswill be explained and identified to further enable one of ordinary skillin the art to make and use the invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, there is illustrated the detailed wiring diagram220 of the electric circuitry for sensing the position of the mirror 32in the X and Y planes. The portion of this circuit which senses theposition of the mirror 32 in the Y plane will now be described. To sensethe position of the mirror, a Colpitts oscillator 222 has the taperedsteel rod 34 inserted through oscillator coil 54. The Colpittsoscillator 222 is the preferred oscillator. However other oscillatorssuch as a Hartley or Armstrong oscillator may also be used. Movement ofthe rod 34 through the coil 54 changes the magnitude of the A.C. outputvoltage from the oscillator 222. This output is amplified and convertedto a D.C. signal which is applied to the input of a difference amplifiercircuit 224. The output signal from the difference amplifier circuit 224is connected to the computer module of FIG. 14 for processing andstoring the signal.

The Colpitts oscillator 222 comprises an oscillator coil 54, a zenerdiode 226, a transistor 228 such as type number MPS 2907, a 1.5k ohmresistor 230, a 560 ohm resistor 232, a 0.1 microfarad capacitor 234,and a 0.047 microfarad capacitor 236. The oscillator 222 is connected toa grounded base amplifier circuit 238. The grounded base amplifiercircuit 238 includes a transistor 240 of the same type number astransistor 228, a 47 ohm resistor 242, a 3.9k ohm resistor 244, a 330kohm resistor 246, and a 0.01 microfarad capacitor 248. The signal fromthe amplifier circuit 238 is inputted into an A.C. to D.C. convertercircuit 250. This converter circuit 250 has a diode 252 such as typenumber 1N914, a 22k ohm resistor 254, a 0.01 microfarad capacitor 256, a0.001 microfarad capacitor 258, and a 20k ohm adjustable potentiometer260 as its components. The difference amplifier circuit 224 receives theD.C. signal from the converter circuit 250. The difference amplifiercircuit 224 comprises an operational amplifier 262 such as type numberTL092, a 10k ohm resistor 264, a 240k ohm resistor 266, and a 390k ohmresistor 268.

The same numerals used to describe the circuitry for the y plane areused to reference components cf the x plane circuitry except theoscillator coil of the x plane circuitry is numbered 55. The electroniccircuitry for sensing the position of the mirror in the x plane includesthe same components as the aforesaid circuitry for the y plane, exceptthe x plane circuitry further includes a 0.005 microfarad capacitor 270in parallel with the oscillator coil 55 of the Colpitts oscillator 222.This capacitor 270 shifts one oscillator frequency relative to the otheroscillator to prevent the two oscillators 222 from locking together atthe same frequency. If the two oscillators 222 were able to oscillate atthe same frequency, they would interfere with each other, which is notdesired. This capacitor 270 can be connected in parallel with either ofthe oscillator coils 54 or 55.

There are some components which are common to both the x plane and the yplane sensor circuits. A diode 272 such as type number 1N4004 and a 47ohm half watt resistor 274 in series with the diode 272, protect againstreverse polarity. A varistor 276 such as type number V22ZA05 isconnected across the plus 278 and minus 280 terminals of the circuit 220to protect against transient voltages. A voltage regulator 282 such astype number MC78L08 is also included in the circuit 220 to insure thatthe correct voltage is applied to the circuit 220, and to stabilize theoscillator 222 output.

Programming the computer module 66 to store the desired positions of theseat and the mirror 32 is accomplished in the following manner. The userfirst moves the seat and the mirror 32 to the desired position by usinga manual seat control to move the seat and a manual mirror control tomove the mirrors. At this point the user will depress a SET button whichis located near the manual controls. Pressing the SET button willinitiate the program mode of the computer module. The position of theseat and the mirror 32 will now be placed in the memory of the computermodule 66. A pair of buttons marked MEM 1 and MEM 2 correspond to twomemory locations in the computer module 66 for storing two differentpositions of the seat and the mirror 32. By pressing either the MEM 1 orMEM 2 button the positions at which the seat and the mirror 32 are atthat particular time will be stored in the memory of the computer module66. A second set of seat and mirror 32 positions may be programmed inthe computer module 66 for use by another driver. To reposition the seatand the mirror 32 to the position stored in the first memory locationthe user only needs to press the MEM 1 button and the seat and mirror 32will automatically adjust to that position unless they are alreadythere. The assembly can be used with the mirrors of various automobilevehicles including cars, trucks and vans.

There are various changes and modifications which may be made to theinvention as would be apparent to those skilled in the art. However,these changes or modifications are included in the teaching of thedisclosure, and it is intended that the invention be limited only by thescope of the claims appended hereto.

What is claimed is:
 1. An assembly for adjusting the position of amirror of an automobile to selected preset positions relative to a mountfor the mirror, comprising:(a) means for indicating the position of themirror relative to the mount, comprising a member associated with themirror; and (b) means for sensing the position of the member relative tothe mount, comprising an inductive winding electromagneticallyassociated with the member.
 2. The assembly of claim 1 furthercomprising means for providing a computer having memory means, andwherein the indicating means indicates the position of the mirror to thecomputer memory means.
 3. The assembly of claim 2 wherein in thepreamble the assembly is further for use with a computer memory forsensing the position of an automobile seat; and wherein the indicationmeans is correlated to the seat position stored in the computer memory.4. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the member is capable of absorbingelectromagnetic energy and comprises a part of varying cross-section. 5.The assembly of claim 4 wherein the part of varying cross-section is ofa substantially tapered shape.
 6. The assembly of claim 5 wherein thesubstantially tapered shape is a substantially conical shape.
 7. Theassembly of claim 4 wherein the member comprises metal.
 8. The assemblyof claim 1 wherein the inductive winding is comprised of a substantiallyflat spiral coil.
 9. The assembly of claim 1 wherein the member isconnected to the mirror, wherein the inductive winding is in fixedposition relative to the mount, and wherein the winding has a passagewayextending through the winding sized to permit the member to be movedthrough the passageway of the winding.
 10. The assembly of claim 1wherein the sensing means comprises a Colpitts oscillator.
 11. Theassembly of claim 10 wherein the sensing means comprises differentialamplifier means, and means for converting from alternating current todirect current.
 12. The assembly of claim 1 further comprising means foradjusting the position of the mirror relative to the mirror mountaccording to a selection of a preset mirror position relative to themount, comprising drive means responsive to the indicating and sensingmeans to move the mirror relative to the mount to a preset mirrorposition.
 13. An assembly for adjusting the position of a mirror of anautomobile to selected preset positions relative to a mount for themirror, which positions are stored in the memory of a computer,comprising:(a) means for indicating to the memory the position of themirror relevant to the mount, comprising a rod mounted to move with themirror, the rod comprising material capable of absorbing electromagneticenergy and having a part thereof which is of substantially taperedshape; and (b) means for sensing the position of the rod relative to themount, comprising an oscillator having a substantially flat spiral coil,means for amplifying, means for converting alternating current to directcurrent; and (c) means for adjusting the position of the mirror relativeto the mirror mount according to a selection of a preset mirror positionrelative to the mount, comprising drive means responsive to theindicating and sensing means to move the mirror relative to the mount toa preset mirror position.
 14. An assembly for adjusting the position ofa mirror of an automobile to selected preset positions relative to amount for the mirror, comprising:(a) means for indicating the positionof the mirror relative to the mount, comprising a pair of membersassociated with the mirror to move with mirror movement relative to themount, each member having means for absorbing electromagnetic energy;and (b) means for sensing the position of each of the members relativeto the mount comprising two inductive windings, one each of saidwindings being electromagnetically associated with a correspondingindicator member, each winding having a passageway extending through thewinding sized to permit the indicator member to be moved through thewinding passageway, and each winding comprising a substantially flatspiral coil; and (c) means for connecting the members to the mirror, andto the mount for the mirror, so that the movement of the membersrelative to the mirror mount permits movement of the mirror relative tothe mount in two planes.
 15. The assembly of claim 14 wherein each ofthe members is a rod comprising steel having a substartially taperedshape, and wherein the indicating means further comprises a drive shaftconnected to each of the rods.
 16. The assembly of claim 15 wherein inthe preamble the assembly is further for use with a computer memory forsensing the position of an automobile seat and wherein the indicationmeans is correlated to the seat position stored in the computer memory,and further comprising means for adjusting the position of the mirrorrelative to the mirror mount according to preset mirror positions whichcorrespond to preset seat positions.
 17. An assembly for adjusting theposition of a mirror of an automobile to selected preset positionsrelative to a mount for the mirror, comprising:(a) means for indicatingthe position of the mirror relative to the mount, comprising a memberassociated with the mirror; (b) means for sensing the position of themember relative to the mount, comprising an oscillator; and (c) meansfor electromagnetically controlling the electrical output of theoscillator upon movement of the member.
 18. The assembly of claim 17wherein the member is capable of absorbing electromagnetic energy. 19.The assembly of claim 17 wherein in the preamble the assembly is furtherfor use with a computer memory for sensing the position of an automobileseat; and wherein the indication means is correlated to the seatposition stored in the computer memory.
 20. An assembly for adjustingthe position of a mirror of an automobile to selected preset positionsrelative to a mount for the mirror, comprising:(a) means for indicatingthe position of the mirror relative to the mount, comprising a memberconnected to the mirror, the member being capable of absorbingelectromagnetic energy; (b) means for sensing the position of the memberrelative to the mount, comprising an inductive windingelectromagnetically associated with the member, the winding having apassageway extending through it to permit the member to be moved throughthe passageway.
 21. The assembly of claim 20 wherein the member has apart of varying cross-section, wherein the inductive winding is in fixedposition relative to the mount; means for adjusting the position of themirror relative to the mirror mount according to the selection of apreset mirror position relative to the mount, comprising drive meansresponsive to the indicating and sensing means to move the mirrorrelative to the mount to a preset mirror position.
 22. The assembly ofclaim 20 wherein in the preamble the assembly is further for use with acomputer memory for sensing the position of an automobile seat; andwherein the indication means is correlated to the seat position storedin the computer memory.
 23. An assembly for adjusting the position of amirror of an automobile to selected preset postions relative to a mountfor the mirror, comprising:(a) means for indicating the position of themirror relative to the mount, comprising a first member associated withthe mirror; and (b) means for sensing the position of the first memberrelative to the mount, comprising a second member having a magneticfield, so that different positions of the first member relative to thesecond member causes a variation in the strength of the magnetic fieldof the second member.
 24. The assembly of claim 23 further comprisingmeans for providing a computer having memory means, and wherein theindicating means indicates the position of the mirror to the computermemory means.
 25. The assembly of claim 23 wherein the sensing meansfurther comprises an amplifier, and means to provide a direct currentoutput signal.
 26. The assembly of claim 23 wherein the member comprisesa part of varying cross-section.
 27. The assembly of claim 26 whereinthe part of varying cross-section is of substantially tapered shape. 28.The assembly of claim 27:(a) further comprising means for adjusting theposition of the mirror relative to the mirror mount according to theselection of a preset mirror position relative to the mount, comprisingdrive means responsive to the indicating and sensing means to move themirror relative to the mount to a preset mirror position; and (b)wherein the first member comprises steel.
 29. The assembly of claim 23wherein in the preamble the assembly is further for use with a computermemory for sensing the position of an automobile seat; and wherein theindication means is correlated to the seat position stored in thecomputer memory.
 30. An assembly for adjusting the position of a mirrorof an automobile to selected preset positions relative to a mount forthe mirror, comprising:(a) means for indicating the position of themirror relative to the mount, comprising a first pair of membersassociated with the mirror to move with the mirror movement relative tothe mount, each member having means for absorbing electromagnetic energyand having a substantially tapered shape; and (b) means for sensing theposition of the first members comprising a second pair of members eachhaving a magnetic field and correlated to interact with each of therespective first pair of members so that different positions of each ofthe first members relative to its corresponding second member causes avariation in the strength of the magnetic field of each correspondingsecond member.
 31. The assembly of claim 30 wherein the means forsensing comprises each of the second pair of members including aninductive winding electromagnetically associated with its correspondingfirst member, each winding having a passageway extending through it topermit the corresponding first member to be moved through thecorresponding passageway.